Swiss Skydiver in line for a unique Kentucky Oaks trail double

With Keeneland formally approved for its five-day Summer Meet in lieu of running its regular races back in April, trainer Kenny McPeek is lining up a notable stakes contender.

One highlight to the session in Lexington, Ky., is the Ashland Stakes (G1) for 3-year-old fillies on the extended Kentucky Oaks trail.

"I’ve got two or three fillies that will be pointing to the Ashland," said McPeek, who has twice won it.

Some six weeks out, McPeek said, "I’m contemplating going out and then coming back with Swiss Skydiver."

The top 3-year-old in his barn is still on course to run June 6 in the Santa Anita Oaks (G2), her first start since out-kicking Venetian Harbor in the Fantasy Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park.

"She’s doing so good," McPeek said. "It’s kind of a tough call, but if I wait for the Ashland, it’ll be 10 weeks between races."

McPeek had originally planned on taking his multiple graded stakes winner overseas to Newmarket for the 1,000 Guineas, but travel restrictions and resulting protocols caused him to reroute Swiss Skydiver.

Owned by Peter Callahan, the daughter of Daredevil has won three of her six career starts, including back-to-back graded stakes victories. Before the Fantasy, she also won the Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) in March.

McPeek, who previously took the Ashland in 2002 with Take Charge Lady and in 2014 with Rosalind also intends to start the Uncle Mo filly Envoutante.

A maiden winner, Envoutante finished fourth in Gulfstream Park's Honey Rider Stakes earlier this month.

Owned by Walking L Thoroughbreds and Three Chimneys Farm, the Honey Rider was the only race where she failed to hit the board in four career starts.

Envoutante is entered in Friday's sixth race at Churchill Downs, an allowance affair going 1 1/16 miles on the main track.